Safety Comes First at Every Jobsite

Safety comes first at every jobsite, especially on a table saw where a momentary distraction can have permanent consequences. Bosch is a technology leader in the power tool industry and proves it again by introducing the REAXX™ Jobsite Table Saw — the first Bosch saw with flesh-detecting Active Response Technology™.

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The Bosch Active Response Technology platform helps reduce the risk of injury to users by combining advanced Bosch sensors and electronics with mechanical injury-prevention systems. The REAXX™ table saw detects human flesh that comes in contact with the blade and rapidly drops the saw blade below the tabletop. This high-speed action helps mitigate the potential of serious user injury and occurs without damaging the blade. After activation, the system can be reset in less than 60 seconds. A dual-activation cartridge enables two incidents before a replacement cartridge is needed.

Active Response Technology™

RIVING KNIFE RELEASE LEVER

RIVING KNIFE (SPREADER)

Keeps the kerf of the workpiece open as the material is cut. This minimizes the potential of the workpiece binding against the saw blade. It is stored under tabletop when not in use.

3

CARTRIDGE PLUG

Electrical connection that links the saw electronics to the dual-activation cartridge.

4

DUAL-ACTIVATION CARTRIDGE RETAINER

Holds the dual-activation cartridge in place during operation and activation.

5

DUAL-ACTIVATION CARTRIDGE

Contains one dual-activation cartridge with two single-shot cylinders, which can independently force the arm to drop below table surface and away from user. Designed to work with all standard blade types, including stacked dado blades.

6

DROP ARM

Delivers a rapid drop of the saw blade below the tabletop when it detects human flesh coming in contact with the blade.

7

DETECTION PLATE

Allows Active Response Technology™ to measure the blade for signs of user contact with the saw blade.

Expand the use of Bosch power tools with attachments. This zero clearance or dado insert table saw attachment is designed for exclusive use on Bosch table saw model GTS1041A. Designed to allow the user to create either zero clearance or dado cuts.

FAQ

How does Bosch’s saw activation work?

The REAXX™ saw utilizes a system that drops the blade away from the user, but does NOT damage the blade. The Active Response Technology™ imparts a low-voltage electrical signal onto the blade. The signal alters upon contact with user's skin, triggering a chemical reaction in an activation cylinder (one of the two metal cylinders that is housed in a dual-activation cartridge unit). This action is similar to the deployment of an air bag in an automobile. In this case, instead of deploying an airbag, the chemical reaction fires a piston that pushes against the drop arm. This action rapidly drops the saw blade below the table surface of the saw away from the operator. The drop arm lock retains the drop arm under the table after activation, while the blade is allowed to coast to a stop under the table. After activation, the system needs to be reset. The user unplugs the saw, removes the Smart Guard and the throat plate. The user rotates the dual-activation cartridge if the other cylinder has not been fired, or replaces the dual-activation cartridge if both cylinders have been fired (each REAXX™ dual-activation cartridge can be used twice). The operator releases the drop arm lock, raises the saw arm in place and reattaches the throat plate and the Smart Guard System. This is a quick reset that can happen in under 60 seconds. All necessary parts and instructions, including push stick and wrenches, are located onboard the saw. The complexity of the Bosch REAXX™ onboard control system is translated to an intuitive, easy-to-understand LED light panel that manages saw operation and status: • Green means the saw is ready for use • Red means the saw is not ready and will not function until the user corrects an issue • Yellow means the system is in bypass mode and will not react to a blade contact; this mode is used for cutting conductive materials that can potentially activate the Active Response Technology™ system • Blue light means the saw requires service The Operating/Safety Instructions (or manual) outlines the operating specifications, and we always recommend users read and understand the manual contents prior to operation. A near field communication (NFC)-enabled phone app (which works with the Android platform) allows the user to get information from the onboard control system, including the number of activations remaining and service requirements. An IOS phone app is also available for troubleshooting and saw registration.

Why can't you offer this as a retrofit solution for existing table saws?

Due to the complexity of the design, the technology found within the REAXX™ table saw is not something that can be retrofitted to existing products.

What makes the Bosch saw the "MOST advanced?"

Currently, competitive products in the market with flesh detection systems may damage the blade, can be difficult to understand and have a complex brake cartridge system. The Bosch REAXX™ saw addresses these issues with a design that's easy to understand.

How does the system work when/if I have gloves on?

The system is designed to react to skin contact. In the case of gloves, the blade would have to first penetrate the glove and touch the skin to activate.

Does the system work with every blade?

It's designed to work with all standard construction and fine finish blade types, including stacked Dado blades. Varnished, painted or Teflon coated blades are compatible with the REAXX™ jobsite table saw, though if the teeth are painted, the Active Response Technology will work only after a few cuts have been made using the bypass mode until the paint has been removed from the teeth. The system is not designed to work with wobble Dado blades or molding cutters. In addition, the system is not designed to use Dado sets larger than 8" in diameter or a “Dial-A-Dado” set. The system cannot accept any cutter weighing more than eight pounds and cannot accept Dado sets smaller than 6" in diameter. The Operating/Safety Instructions (or manual) outlines the operating specifications and we always recommend users read and understand the manual contents prior to operation.

Is there something that shows the user status of the system and whether it's ready?

There are multiple LED indicators that provide system status to the operator. The Operating/Safety Instructions (or manual) outlines the operating specifications and we always recommend users read and understand the manual contents prior to operation.

Is there a shelf-life to the system?

With proper use and care, we anticipate the system functioning correctly for many years. If there are any questions, we always recommend users contact Bosch customer service at 877-BOSCH-99 to answer any questions you may have or to schedule a service visit.

Do the activation cartridges have a shelf-life?

The activation cartridges have a shelf life of 20 years. Each cartridge has its expiration date printed on the side of the cartridge.

By including this technology, is Bosch condoning users no longer using the guard system?

No. Guards are designed to protect the user from contact with the saw blade and provide protection against kick back. Active Response Technology™ is designed as a supplemental feature to minimize the risk of injury should contact with the blade occur. The guard should always be used in accordance with the Operating/Safety Instructions (or manual).

Why does the rip fence look different from others? White Isolation plates?

The design of the REAXX™ rip fence and isolation plates is based on the award-winning Bosch 4100-series table saw and features design enhancements, including high-visibility red components. The primary difference is the REAXX™ relies on the electrical properties of the human body and the metal comprising the fence is conductive so the fence requires an isolation plate to help prevent false triggers.

Why is there a bypass button?

If a conductive material needs to be cut, the tool has a bypass switch that disarms the Active Response Technology™ injury mitigation system. Bypass mode turns off the Active Response Technology™ while the saw is in use, which may be required to cut certain materials that may cause unintended system activation. The Operating/Safety Instructions (or manual) outlines the operating specifications and we always recommend that users read and understand the manual contents prior to operation.

What materials can be used with the saw?

Users can cut the same materials with the REAXX™ table saw that are cut on other table saws. In order to prevent an unintended activation, we recommend putting the saw into bypass mode when cutting conductive materials, such as aluminum-veneered plywood or extremely wet materials. For more information see the Operating/Safety Instructions manual.

Can the Bosch GTS1041A REAXX™ Saw be successfully powered by portable power generators?

Yes. Extensive testing was done with the GTS1041A REAXX™ table saw running on contractor-grade generators with a power rating of 5500W or more. Two factors determine the suitability of a contractor-grade generator for use with this saw: 1. POWER LEVEL - With sufficient power, the tool performs well when powered by a generator.

We can recommend generators above 5500W for the use with the GTS1041A.

Generators between 4000W and 5500W might work with the GTS1041A. It depends on the generator’s construction, its surge capacity and the surge capacity requirements, which are dependent on load created by the cutting application, and if additional equipment, such as vacuum cleaner are switched on at the same time as the GTS1041A.

Generators rated at under 4000W are insufficient to handle start-up and peak power loads required by the GTS1041A.

2. POWER LEVEL CONSISTENCY - The GTS1041A’s sophisticated electronics include two power management controls: A. If the supply voltage starts at an inadequate level or quickly drops to an inadequate level, (such as when turning on the saw when supplied by an undersized generator), the saw will turn itself off. The blue light will blink, the yellow light will come on for 2-3 seconds and then the red light will blink.

Shutting off the saw’s power switch corrects this issue and brings back the green light, notifying the user that the saw is ready for use.

However, if the same generator is used in the same conditions, switching the saw on again will result in the same outcome.

B. If the supply voltage drops less severely but to an inadequate level that is outside the operating range, the saw will turn itself off. The blue light will light up. Shutting off the saw’s power switch, unplugging the saw and then plugging it back in corrects this issue and brings back the green light, notifying the user that the saw is ready for use. However, if the same generator is used in the same conditions, switching the saw on again will result in the same outcome. Another factor that can affect power level consistency is if the generator has advanced idle controls to help with fuel usage for longer generator run time. These idle controls may delay peak power output at saw start-up, leading to conditions similar to those described in A and B above. Most contractor-grade generators allow the user to override the advanced idle controls to prevent such problems, and they will work better with the GTS1041A when the advanced controls are overridden, which allows for peak power output from the generator at start up.

Does the length of an extension cord affect the REAXX system?

If the saw receives power through an extension cord that is sufficient to run the saw, that power will be more than enough for Active Response Technology™ to operate properly.

If the saw does NOT receive adequate power or the power drops to an inadequate level, the results will be the same as A. and B. in the above section about POWER LEVEL CONSISTENCY in the question about use of the REAXX™ saw with power generators.